Despite frigid temperatures, droves of holiday revelers and fireworks enthusiasts attended this year’s Holiday on the Harbor festival Dec. 8, which culminated with a dramatic pyrotechnic show above Rockport Harbor.

Earlier in the day visitors enjoyed musical performances by Odeon and Bay Chamber Concert’s Suzuki violin students at Union Hall, and enjoyed a special menu of holiday offerings at restaurants throughout the village.

In the evening some 2,000 luminaries – this year lit by LED tea lights rather than traditional candles – adorned the harbor and downtown streets. 

In the evening hundreds of visitors attended a tree lighting ceremony in Rockport Marine Park, following which hundreds of fireworks were sent into the sky from a barge in the center of the harbor.

Hot cocoa, cookies and an assortment of snacks were served by volunteers and vendors, and Flat Bread Co. served pizza to event goers from an illuminated school bus at the harbor’s edge.

Following the fireworks show, a free screening of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” was offered at the Rockport Opera House. And to complete the festivities, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to greet everyone on his “nice” list.